Jeff Tipps

I am going to get the windows tinted as its not standard on the Zetec. Tinted/privacy glass is standard on the MKIII Galaxy Zetec, but at least you get the better front seats in the Zetec SMax.

Tommie, I have had no starting problems with my MKIII 125hp.

My MKIII now 10 months old 18,000 miles no problems yet (one safety recall to check earthing point for heated screen). Have seen quite a few MKIII Galaxy's around my area mainly Zetec & Ghia models.

Not posted for a while, I have had my new shape Galaxy 7 months now & all o.k. have done 12,500 miles with no major problems. Although I have had exactly the same problem with the Nintendo DS pen!!! My overhead console was also rattling, it turned out to be the child rear seat mirror thing. Not had a puncture so can't comment on the tyre repair kit. Had a concern about the seats but drivers seems comfy enough even on long journeys. Have had adults in the 3rd row of seats for a few long journeys and they have not complained about anything. I have the 1.8TDCI & it gives me about the same performance as my old car (Mondeo 2.0TDCI), Fuel economy very good and works out at 44mpg. Have seen a few more Mk3's out & about now, must say the rear lights look impressive at night & along with the low level rear reflectors make the Mk3 very visible at night.

what do you think of the new galaxy?? Yep getting along with it fine, done just under 5,000 miles. Get about 48MPG. Mine is the 125PS version and I find it a bit sluggish pulling away, it must be a bit better than the 100PS option though. Had a concern about the seats at first as they are very thin on the padding. But I have done a couple of long journeys and they have been comfy enough, although they are a bit narrow. I have stated on here before that the Zetec Galaxy should have the same front seats as the Zetec S-Max which has sportier 'bucket' style and hold you in place much better. But for some reason they are different. I can get all of my work equipment in the back behind the 3rd row of seats & I use the fold out floor as a kind of tonneau cover to stop anything flying forward. I'm sure it's not meant to be used like that but it works fine. Yeah, every time I go to get a new car, I tell myself I will not be getting another Ford this time!! Very nearly went for a Zafira or the Touran this time around.

Ford Escort Mk1, 1.1, M reg, Dark Blue. Ford Escort Mk2, 1.3, V reg, Light Blue. Ford Cortina Mk4, 2.0 GLS, T Reg, Red. Ford Escort Mk4, 1.4 Ghia, C Reg, Red. Ford Sierra Mk1, 2.8i XR4X4, C Reg, Black. Ford Orion Mk2, 1.6i Ghia, D Reg, Red. Ford Fiesta Mk1, 1.1, Y Reg, Silver. Ford Sierra Mk2, 2.0i GLS, E Reg, Dark Blue. Ford Escort Estate Mk5, 1.8D, M Reg, Dark Blue. Ford Mondeo Mk2, 2.0 Ghia, W Reg, Dark Blue. Ford Mondeo Estate, 2.0TDCI LX, 53 Plate, Black. Ford Galaxy, 1.8TDCI Zetec, 56 Plate, Dark Blue (Blue Ambition). Most fun - XR4X4 Most reliable - Mondeo Estate/Galaxy :( Least fun - Escort Estate Least reliable - Escort Estate

I've done 3,200 miles now in new shape Galaxy no problems as yet. One thing a few of you have overlooked is safety:- VW Sharan NCAP test results New Ford Galaxy NCAP test results You have to admit they are pretty impressive test results & I think the new Galaxy/S-MAX have the highest ever safety scores to date. I'm sure the new Seat and VW MPV's will have very high safety standards as well. I had the choice of a new shape or old shape Galaxy and the high NCAP rating was one thing that helped make the decision. I guess in a few years even this new Galaxy will be replaced by one with even higher safety scores.

Hi Larryo, I'm the other one on here with a new shape Galaxy. Have got the 1.8TDCI Zetec 125PS 6 speed version. Had it about 4 weeks now & no problems. Not so sure the tyres are 'run flat' though (unless you ordered them as an option?) mine has got normal tyres & you get a Michelen tyre repair kit instead of the spare. Been to Paris in it last week fuel economy was 49.5 mpg over a 630 mile round trip, very comfy to drive even for long distance. Seats do seem a bit thin on the padding especially rear seats.

I seem to remember twisting/pulling a cable that is attached to the mechanism & that may have gained some play back into the belt and then I put the clothes peg on the belt so it didn't go tight again. I had all the back seats out at one time, but beware it can pull itself tight and you wont be able to get the seat back together without releasing the seat belt.

Yep I've got one a 1.8TDI Zetec, have posted some early opinions of it HERE. Managed to get 60mpg on a 180 mile round trip today. Off to Disneyland Paris in it tomorrow for 6 days.

Just seen the latest NCAP test results for the new Galaxy. It received 5 stars as expected, but also the best score for any right hand drive vehicle tested by Euro NCAP to date. NCAP Test Results Have a look at the KIA Sedona test results :ph34r:

As my new Galaxy is leased I would imagine it's only covered by the Ford 'Base' Warranty which is 1 year & unlimited miles. The Optional Extended Warranty is available for another 2 years 60,000 miles but I would not know how much extra that costs. I have seen another new Galaxy not far from where I live, but loads more SMAX models about.

On closer inspection the I think the quality of the seats is poor. Very thinly padded all round especially the 3rd row. I will spend 2,000+ hours in the drivers seat of this car & already I can think that even my 1979 MK4 Cortina had better seats (the Ghia velour ones, quality!) also driver & passenger seats not very wide and do not hold you in that well when cornering (still can't see why the Zetec Galaxy can't have the sporty bucket style seats as found in the Zetec SMAX). I see Ford have dropped the 'Travel First Class' from the brochures on the new Galaxy.

I had the same seat belt problem on my old W reg mondeo, seem to remember something had broken & I couldn't fix it properly. Did you get it working? As a Southend fan I'm glad we helped you get rid of Robson! I have a S reg Mondeo 1.8 TD with the same problem, I presumed the seat belt was faulty and bought a replacement. However it seems when the rear seats are folded down the slack in the belt is taken up and the belt will not release. This means that the seat cannot be raised. I may be thick but is this a "design characteristic" or is there an adjustment I have to make to enable me to lower and raise the rear seats. By the way I am really glad I found this site. Kev, Sorry I can't remember what caused the problem with the rear seat belt. The only way I could use the rear centre seat belt was to keep it slack with a peg, otherwise it would ram itself tight on the seat and was a nightmare to try and loosen again. I'm sure it's a common problem.

Spare Wheel ? No as per Ivor E Tower's comment no spare wheel. The car comes with a Continental 'ContiMobilityKit' which inflates & temporarily seals a flat tyre, the usual restrictions apply max speed 50mph & max distance 125 miles. It takes 5-7 mins to inflate using the 12v socket I suppose if it hasn't inflated after that period then it's a call to the recovery people! I think you can only use the tyre sealant once (560ml) & I can't find out how much a replacement sealant will cost. I think I will try & get another sealant to keep in the car. Yep, have been going to see Southend play for 25 years. You can't beat supporting your home town club.